The Honors Degree Program in Japanese conducted by the Department of Languages seeks to produce Scholars, Innovators, Leaders and Global Citizens in the following manner:

Scholars - Graduates produced by the Department have a comprehensive knowledge and expertise in the field of Japanese language, literature, culture and society. And they are aware of the ways this knowledge and expertise are applied in the Sri Lankan and international contexts.

Innovators - Graduates in Japanese in the Department possess a broader vision for the country in its forward march. Imaginative, and inspired by a multicultural perspective, they are capable of producing men and women with measured caliber and imaginative thinking to contribute for the national development in all the relevant levels.

Leaders - Graduates, produced by the Department are leaders with ability to operate in all the challenging social and professional environments. Their level of self-confidence put them well ahead of their competitors.

Global Citizens - Our Graduates are obviously global citizens. They are capable of operating in both the national and international levels, giving the country and the world the much needed vision in the 21st century. 

Graduate Capabilities

There are six clusters of generic capabilities which the Department seeks to foster in all of its graduates through teaching and learning in the respective Honors Degree Programs of study. These, as relevant to the Honors Degree Program in Japanese, are:

1. Disciplinary Knowledge & Practice 

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Graduates are expected to acquire knowledge of Japanese Language and Japanese Studies and appreciate the capacity of their discipline in research. They are expected to have an advanced communication skills in Japanese and appreciate the role of Japanese Language and culture in building effective intercultural communication relationships.

This theme includes the ability to

• demonstrate an advanced knowledge and understanding of the core aspects of the area of study.
• critically analyze data, make judgments and propose solution to problems.
• construct and sustain arguments use these arguments ,ideas and techniques in problem solving.
• use practical skills and enquiry efficiently within the area of study.
• conduct research in the field of study.
• operate with ease in the language, create a better understanding between the two related societies through successful communication.
• translate formal and informal writings and interpret Japanese speeches in education, tourism and in relevant professional fields.
• demonstrate historical, geographical, sociological and cultural awareness of Japan

2. Critical Thinking 

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Graduates are expected to be able to contest knowledge and practice, critically consider ideas, texts and research and think reflectively and reflexively.

This theme includes the ability to

• think imaginatively and innovatively.
• evaluate problems from multiple perspectives.
• access information and judge its pertinence.

3. Solution Seeking 

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Graduates are expected to be able to apply theory, analysis, research and creative skills to solve problems and make reasoned decisions. They are expected to be able to consider long-term and big picture perspectives, to systematically address complex problems and to be imaginative in their solution seeking.

This theme includes the ability to

• construct and sustain arguments and use these arguments, ideas and techniques in problem solving for a given situation.
• understand and see language-related problems in perspective.
• assess problems from multicultural point of view; analyze, seek and select solutions in that perspective; plan and devise strategies to achieve them.
• widen the ways of looking at problems.

4. Communication & Engagement  

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Graduates are expected to be able to receive and interpret information, express ideas and share knowledge with diverse audiences in a range of media and formats. They are expected to be able to establish a rapport and build collaborative relationships with individuals and groups. 

This theme includes the ability to

• communicate/present information ,ideas,issues and solution efficiently and effectively.
• demonstrate awareness of the current developments in the area of study.
• participate actively in teams and professional networks.
• employ print, electronic, virtual and other forms of communication in addressing personal and larger-than-personal needs/requirements of stakeholders.
• make available time and accessibility in effectively engaging with stakeholder problems.
• help Japanese speaking people better appreciate Sri Lanka and its culture.
• be the bridge between Sri Lanka and Japan in multiple fields.

5. Independence & Integrity

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Graduates are expected to be able to learn and work autonomously and ethically. They are expected to be lifelong learners, to show resilience, proactively and an ability to make principled decisions in academic and professional spheres.  

This theme includes the ability to

• participate in lifelong learning in and beyond their discipline.
• exhibit resilience, independence and personal autonomy
• demonstrate leadership, personal characteristics and attitudes that are consistent with ethical behavior.
• understand academic integrity and professional ethics within a disciplinary context.
• learn independently and proactively.

6. Social & Environmental Responsibilities

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Graduates are expected to be sensitive to cultural diversity and to embrace difference. Our graduates are expected to recognize a role for themselves in creating a sustainable future and be able to consider the social, cultural, environmental and economic consequences of national and international issues. 

This theme includes the ability to

• consider the wider implications of local and global issues.
• exercise cultural competence and appreciate diversity.
• help Sri Lanka strengthen ties with Japan and gain social and economic benefits.
• introduce developmental and progressive tools in practice in Japan, where necessary, for the development of Sri Lanka as a nation.
• present multiple issues contrastively and persuasively.